Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, Gmbh

Chiron Corporation

Chiron S.r.l.

Novartis Ag

Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Srl

Sergio Abrignani

Michael Houghton

Mark J Selby

Guido Grandi

Qui-Lim Choo

David Y Chien

Piero Pileri

Edward Glazer

Derek T O'Hagan

Giuliano Bensi

Jens Martin Heile

The invention relates to a method for isolation of hepatitis C virus. The method comprises the separation of particles termed exosomes from the blood plasma of an individual infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the extraction or RNA from these exosome particles.

Preparation of purified exosomes comprising HCV RNA

Cytotoxic T-cell epitopes fromproteins have been empirically determined. The epitopes from correspondingproteins have also been identified, and some of these are identical to those fromThe empirical method showed that algorithmic prediction was inadequate. The epitopes are useful for immunisation and/or diagnosis.

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Methods for obtaining recombinantly produced, C-terminally truncated, E1 and E2 polypeptides from cell lysates are disclosed. The intracellularly expressed truncated molecules display improved biological properties as compared to their secreted counterparts.

Intracellular production of hepatitis C E1 and E2 truncated polypeptides

Described herein is a method of eliciting antibodies and neutralizing of binding antibodies against a hepatitis C virus (HCV) E1E2 or E2 antigen using HCV E2 or HCV E1E2 polypeptides and/or HCV E2 or E1E2 polynucleotides. Elicitation of anti-E2 antibodies and anti-E2 NOB antibodies can be used, inter alia, to provide model systems to optimize anti-E2 antibody responses and/or anti-E2 NOB antibody responses to HCV and to provide prophylactic or therapeutic treatment against HCV infection.

Eliciting HCV-specific antibodies

HCV assays are described. The assays utilize a 24 kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), or functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein.

Hepatitis C virus E2 binding protein

The invention relates to a method for the isolation of hepatitis C virus. The method comprises the separation of particles termed exosomes from the blood plasma of an individual infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the extraction or RNA from these exosome particles.

Method for the preparation of purified HCV RNA by exosome separation

The present invention relates to the use of CD81 protein and polynucleic acid in the therapy and diagnosis of hepatitis C and pharmaceutical compositions, animal models and diagnostic kits for such purposes.

Hepatitis C receptor protein CD81

A 24kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purification of the 24kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed, as are methods for using the protein to screen for chemical compounds that bind HCV.

Binding protein

A 24 kd protein capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purification of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

A 24 kd percent capable of binding the E2 envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and functionally equivalent variants or fragments of the 24 kd protein, are disclosed. Processes for production and purication of the 24 kd protein, and functionally equivalent variants or fragments thereof, are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Siena, Italy

Sergio Abrignani